Kempinski Mall of the Emirates has partnered with the Dubai Centre for Special Needs to give special needs students the chance to work in the luxury property as real members of the team. It is hoped the work experience will enhance the children’s social and vocational skills and prepare them to enter the workforce.
Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates General Manager Michael Henssler fully endorses the scheme, saying, “We were lucky enough to meet these fantastic young people late last year when they visited Sezzam on an outing, since then the relationship has grown and we are delighted to welcome them into our hotel as part of the team, their enthusiasm and potential is boundless.”
As part of their work experience program, the students report for duty at the hotel every Thursday from 9.15AM to 10.45AM. Partnered with a Kempinski staff member, the children are given assignments in various aspects of the hotel’s operations, including housekeeping, floristry, laundry, room service, kitchen, Sezzam, administration, front office and guest relations. The hotel also ensures the safety of all participants by familiarizing the children with the health and safety procedures of the hotel.
The future looks bright for these students, as is explained by Dr. Mahshid Salehi, Director of the Dubai Centre for Special Needs “The ultimate goal of the program is to empower the children and give them a chance to integrate themselves with mainstream society in the future. The training they are receiving from Kempinski is a valuable experience aimed at providing very practical skills that will allow them to eventually enter the workforce.”
The program has proven a great success so far with both students and staff enjoying the opportunity to interact. The students will return to their placements after the summer vacation.
About Kempinski
In 2007, Kempinski Hotels is celebrating 110 years of history, exclusivity and distinctive luxury. During this time, Kempinski hotels have hosted international celebrities, witnessed meetings between the world’s leaders and been a part of creating history around the globe. Experience Kempinski’s unique heritage at one of the group’s prestigious properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America and Asia.
About Global Hotel Alliance
Global Hotel Alliance currently comprises 7 luxury brands encompassing 153 upscale and luxury hotels with over 46,000 rooms in 39 different countries. Each brand is a key player in their main region of operation: Kempinski in Europe, Middle East and Africa, Omni in North America, Pan Pacific in the Pacific Rim, The Leela Group in India, Dusit in Thailand, Landis in Taiwan and China, and Marco Polo in China and Hong Kong. GHA will continue to grow to include selected hotel brands in those regions not currently covered by the alliance.
